U.N. deploys troops around northern Mali town following clashes

Mali's U.N. peacekeeping mission deployed troops around a northern separatist stronghold on Tuesday, seeking to prevent an escalation of clashes between rebels and pro-government militias that threaten to torpedo a June peace accord. The mainly Tuareg secessionist Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and pro-Bamako Platform militias have both signed onto the deal, which aims to pacify the north and allow the Malian army to focus on tackling Islamist militants. "These acts constitute a flagrant